PEORIA, Ariz.  Rymer Liriano’s invitation to big league camp this spring was never going to last too long. A year removed from Tommy John surgery, the 22-year-old outfielder knew this well.

He also knows he left a lasting impression. As Liriano piled his belongs into a cart to push over to the minor league side of the Padres spring training complex Thursday morning, he couldn’t help but smile.

“I’m happy with my work,” he said “And I’ll keep working hard. You never know.”

The Padres, of course, do know something about Liriano, a 6-foot, 225-pound physical specimen they’ve groomed at their Dominican baseball academy since signing him as a teenager in 2007.

In fact, raw power to all fields is a big reason Baseball America ranks Liriano as the Padres’ sixth-best prospect, and that tool was on display Wednesday when Liriano yanked a first-pitch homer to left as pinch-hitter against the Indians.

A day later, Liriano – who was slugging .500 with three extra-base hits in 22 at-bats this spring – was one of four players reassigned to minor league camp, where he’ll continue get what he needs most after missing all of 2013: Playing time.

“Liriano has some tools,” Padres manager Bud Black said after Liriano was optioned to Double-A San Antonio. “You grade him out, he does a lot of things right on the baseball field. He’s still a little rough around the edges, but he’s in the process of cleaning those things up. He’s got a skill set that plays at higher levels. …

“I think for him, getting back on the field and getting regular playing time is part of what he has to go through this year.”

Friday's Game

At: Peoria Stadium, 1:05 p.m.

Matchup: Angels (LHP Tyler Skaggs) at Padres (LHP Eric Stults)

On the air: Fox Sports San Diego

Johnson stretching out

Right-hander Josh Johnson continues to hit his marks as he rounds into pitching shape. On Thursday, he threw 39 of his 60 pitches for strikes, scattering one run, two hits and a walk over four innings in an 8-0 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers.

"I have no complaints – out there feeling good and feeling strong," said Johnson, who has now struck out eight and walked two over nine innings through his first three starts this spring.

Casey on the mound

Right-hander Casey Kelly (elbow) is slated to throw living batting practice Saturday as he continues to work toward a 12-month return from last spring’s Tommy John surgery. The next step would be getting into simulated action or even a game on the minor league side of camp.

"There’s still some progression to handle there before we get ahead of ourselves, but he’s on his way," Black said.

Notable

RHP Huston Street (groin) will pitch his first game Saturday, although it could come in a minor league game instead of at the Dodgers’ complex at Camelback Ranch.

C Yasmani Grandal (knee) caught four innings to start Thursday’s game. He grounded into a fielder’s choice in his only at-bat.

3B Chase Headley (calf) ran on the field during pre-game workouts without any issues. Although he is making progress, Black has yet to announce a timetable for his return.